Growing up on a farm in southern Ontario, I learned a lot about hard work, community, and facing challenges with creativity. My parents were my role models. They showed me what perseverance and a respectful partnership look like. Watching them handle the stress of farm life taught me lessons I didn’t fully understand at the time. Now, I realize they set me on a path to success.
Farm life was all about resilience. I saw my parents deal with setbacks—whether it was a storm or a tough season for crops. I learned that hard work and flexibility are key to overcoming life’s challenges. While we didn’t always agree, especially when I got older, I now see how their example helped me face problems with confidence. Their influence is something I carry with me in every business decision I make today. For that, I am grateful.
Building a Business
Building a business isn’t easy. I knew from the start it would take more than just effort and determination. I expected long hours, uncertainty, and constant change. But what surprised me were the roadblocks put up by others who try to stop newcomers from succeeding. Business can sometimes feel like a battleground, with tactics used to slow progress and discourage competition.
In my MBA course on Managerial Economics, we’re studying how monopolies and dominant companies protect their position by raising barriers for new businesses. These tactics may help big companies stay in control, but they also hold back innovation and limit choices for customers. I believe in competition because it drives better quality.
When I started AdmiralBridge, I wanted to offer customers an alternative. I wanted to create a company that focuses on customer needs and builds a culture of real service. I wanted a place where people are passionate about their work and dedicated to helping customers succeed. But I also knew that for my business to make a real impact, it needed to stand for more than just making money.
If you’re thinking about starting your own business, be ready for challenges. Building a foundation based on purpose and values will give you the strength to get through tough times. If profit is your only goal, it’s easy to get discouraged. But when your business has a deeper purpose, the hard days become easier, and the small wins feel even more rewarding.
AdmiralBridge isn’t just about the products or services we provide. It’s about offering choice and building a team that truly cares about our clients’ success. Even with all the hurdles, my determination remains strong. I’m more hopeful than ever for what’s ahead, knowing that I’m building something that reflects my values and the lessons I learned on that farm so many years ago.